BlessedinHim
December 31st, 2007, 11:15 AM
http://www.phumc.com/06.24.07.htm
BUDDHISM
Ephesians 4:1-3
Tough Questions of Faith: What Does God Like?
Although Jesus is "the way, the truth, and the life" for Christians, there is much that Buddhism can teach us that is compatible with Christianity. I will stress only four:
1. Compassion. Love, kindness, gentleness, patience, tolerance and sensitivity to all beings are examples of Buddhist compassion. Buddhists generally are much less aggressive, much less competitive because they are taught compassion toward others and that all life is interrelated. Jesus’ Parable of the Good Samaritan illustrates compassion for an unfortunate person. I have seen examples of compassionate Buddhists in prison ministry.
2. Reverence for life. I understand that when Tibetan monks build a new temple they dig down into the soil carefully so as not to hurt worms and replant them elsewhere. I wonder how many worms were killed in the construction of our Disciple Center? I confess that I wasn’t sensitive to that. A major Buddhist goal is not to cause pain in other living beings and, if possible, to improve their happiness. Human insensitivity to all forms of life has resulted in endangerment or even extinction for many species.
3. Non-attachment. We live in a society that reinforces the notion that personal worth depends upon productivity, possessions, and prestige. We are greatly attached to our stuff. Such attachments change who and what we are, frequently isolate us from others, and can cause mental and physical anguish. We can learn much from Buddhists in this regard.
4. Meditation and Prayer. In Buddhism a number of forms of meditation are practiced to relax and calm one’s body and open one’s mind to new insight into oneself as well as the truth. Such meditation and prayer is beneficial physically (reducing heart rate and blood pressure), mentally (relieving stress) and spiritually (opening us to the Holy Spirit). Rather than prayer as a presentation of wants and needs, meditative prayer can teach us to prepare our minds and bodies to receive God’s message.
A final observation: Although there are exceptions, Buddhists generally do not worship God, as Christians understand God. Buddhism is more a path or way of life than a theology. However, Buddhism usually is not religiously exclusive but respectful and cooperative with people of other faiths. Also, there are Jews, Christians and Muslims—believers in God—who follow Buddhist values and spiritual practices.
I conclude with these words from the The Dhammapada, teachings of Gautama Buddha: "To do no evil. To cultivate good. To purify one’s mind. This is the teaching of all the awakened."(4)
Thanks be to God. Amen.
JUDAISM
Deuteronomy 6:1-12
Tough Questions of Faith: What Does God Like?
As Christians, we too are children of Abraham and Sarah. We celebrate our common history and scriptures, and join hands with Jewish brothers and sisters in the pursuit of justice and peace for all God’s children. Above all, we give thanks to the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and the God of Jesus.
Sh’ma Y’israel, Adonai elohenu, Adonai echad—“Hear, O Israel, the Lord is our God, the Lord alone.” Thanks be to God.
ISLAM
Genesis 21:9-20
Tough Questions of Faith: What Does God Like?
I have learned from my study of Islam the importance of being called to pray several times daily and the posture of submission to God in prayer. Also, faith as pilgrimage and assembly in a holy place is a significant practice. I admire Muslim zeal for learning, for converts and for care of those in need and in prison. Most importantly, I have learned that most devout Muslims are not murderous terrorists, but peace-loving, compassionate people who love God and their families.
While there are major differences, Islam and Christianity share many similar beliefs and common history. Together we constitute more than half the world’s population, a considerable force. I believe that it is very important in these days for us to understand those differences and commonalities so that we might work together in the interest of faith in God, world peace and the common good of humanity.
In the name of God, the Beneficent, the Merciful. Amen.
BUDDHISM
Ephesians 4:1-3
Tough Questions of Faith: What Does God Like?
Although Jesus is "the way, the truth, and the life" for Christians, there is much that Buddhism can teach us that is compatible with Christianity. I will stress only four:
1. Compassion. Love, kindness, gentleness, patience, tolerance and sensitivity to all beings are examples of Buddhist compassion. Buddhists generally are much less aggressive, much less competitive because they are taught compassion toward others and that all life is interrelated. Jesus’ Parable of the Good Samaritan illustrates compassion for an unfortunate person. I have seen examples of compassionate Buddhists in prison ministry.
2. Reverence for life. I understand that when Tibetan monks build a new temple they dig down into the soil carefully so as not to hurt worms and replant them elsewhere. I wonder how many worms were killed in the construction of our Disciple Center? I confess that I wasn’t sensitive to that. A major Buddhist goal is not to cause pain in other living beings and, if possible, to improve their happiness. Human insensitivity to all forms of life has resulted in endangerment or even extinction for many species.
3. Non-attachment. We live in a society that reinforces the notion that personal worth depends upon productivity, possessions, and prestige. We are greatly attached to our stuff. Such attachments change who and what we are, frequently isolate us from others, and can cause mental and physical anguish. We can learn much from Buddhists in this regard.
4. Meditation and Prayer. In Buddhism a number of forms of meditation are practiced to relax and calm one’s body and open one’s mind to new insight into oneself as well as the truth. Such meditation and prayer is beneficial physically (reducing heart rate and blood pressure), mentally (relieving stress) and spiritually (opening us to the Holy Spirit). Rather than prayer as a presentation of wants and needs, meditative prayer can teach us to prepare our minds and bodies to receive God’s message.
A final observation: Although there are exceptions, Buddhists generally do not worship God, as Christians understand God. Buddhism is more a path or way of life than a theology. However, Buddhism usually is not religiously exclusive but respectful and cooperative with people of other faiths. Also, there are Jews, Christians and Muslims—believers in God—who follow Buddhist values and spiritual practices.
I conclude with these words from the The Dhammapada, teachings of Gautama Buddha: "To do no evil. To cultivate good. To purify one’s mind. This is the teaching of all the awakened."(4)
Thanks be to God. Amen.
JUDAISM
Deuteronomy 6:1-12
Tough Questions of Faith: What Does God Like?
As Christians, we too are children of Abraham and Sarah. We celebrate our common history and scriptures, and join hands with Jewish brothers and sisters in the pursuit of justice and peace for all God’s children. Above all, we give thanks to the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and the God of Jesus.
Sh’ma Y’israel, Adonai elohenu, Adonai echad—“Hear, O Israel, the Lord is our God, the Lord alone.” Thanks be to God.
ISLAM
Genesis 21:9-20
Tough Questions of Faith: What Does God Like?
I have learned from my study of Islam the importance of being called to pray several times daily and the posture of submission to God in prayer. Also, faith as pilgrimage and assembly in a holy place is a significant practice. I admire Muslim zeal for learning, for converts and for care of those in need and in prison. Most importantly, I have learned that most devout Muslims are not murderous terrorists, but peace-loving, compassionate people who love God and their families.
While there are major differences, Islam and Christianity share many similar beliefs and common history. Together we constitute more than half the world’s population, a considerable force. I believe that it is very important in these days for us to understand those differences and commonalities so that we might work together in the interest of faith in God, world peace and the common good of humanity.
In the name of God, the Beneficent, the Merciful. Amen.